Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc 2026
The biggest trail running week in the Alps, centred around Chamonix and the Mont Blanc massif.
UTMB week changes the whole feeling of Chamonix. The town fills with runners, support crews, families, flags, cowbells and a level of energy that is hard to describe until you have stood near the finish line in the middle of the night. For one week, the Mont Blanc region becomes the centre of the trail running world, with races passing through France, Italy and Switzerland before the biggest finishers return to Chamonix.
Bottom line: HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 2026 takes place from 24–30 August 2026. The main UTMB race starts in Chamonix on Friday 28 August 2026, with runners taking on around 174km and 9,900m+ of elevation gain around Mont Blanc.
Planning your trip to Chamonix? If you want to find out more about the resort, the valley and how to get there from Geneva Airport, take a look at our Chamonix Guide.
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What is UTMB Mont-Blanc?
UTMB Mont-Blanc is one of the most famous trail running events in the world. Each year, the event brings elite athletes, amateur runners, support crews and mountain communities together across the Mont Blanc region.
The week includes several races, from shorter mountain trail events to the headline UTMB race. The main UTMB route is the iconic loop around Mont Blanc, crossing France, Italy and Switzerland before finishing in Chamonix.
The event is about more than one race. Chamonix becomes a trail running hub for the week, with race starts, finish-line moments, expos, brand stands, mountain films, packed terraces and supporters following runners day and night.
Official event website:
Visit the official UTMB Mont-Blanc website
UTMB Mont-Blanc 2026 dates and location
- Event: HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 2026
- Event week: Monday 24 to Sunday 30 August 2026
- Main UTMB start: Friday 28 August 2026
- Main hub: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
- Regions crossed: France, Italy and Switzerland
- Main race distance: Around 174km
- Main race elevation gain: Around 9,900m+
- Nearest major airport: Geneva Airport
UTMB airport transfers:
View our dedicated UTMB airport transfer information
Which races are part of UTMB week?
UTMB week includes several well-known races, each with its own distance, terrain and atmosphere. The final programme should always be checked on the official UTMB website, but the main event week usually includes races such as:
- UTMB: The flagship loop around Mont Blanc, starting and finishing in Chamonix.
- CCC: A major race from Courmayeur to Chamonix, crossing from Italy back into France.
- OCC: A shorter but still demanding race finishing in Chamonix.
- TDS: A technical mountain route with a wilder feel.
- MCC: A popular race linked strongly with the local and regional trail running community.
- PTL: A long, team-based mountain challenge around the Mont Blanc region.
- YCC and ETC: Shorter race formats that add to the festival atmosphere during the week.
The scale of the event means different parts of the valley feel busy at different times. Race starts, aid stations, finish times and support crew movements can all affect roads, parking and transfer demand.
Why UTMB is such a big week in Chamonix
UTMB is one of Chamonix’s biggest annual events. The atmosphere builds across the week as runners arrive, bibs are collected, race villages open and the town centre fills with supporters.
The finish line in Chamonix is one of the most memorable parts of the event. Some runners arrive in daylight to huge crowds. Others return through the night, tired and emotional, with the town still awake to welcome them home.
Even without running, the week is worth experiencing. The energy around the start lines, the international crowd, the mountain setting and the constant movement through the valley make UTMB feel unlike any other summer event in Chamonix.
If you would like to find out more about what’s going on in Chamonix before or after UTMB, check out our news and events page.
Key UTMB locations and transfer destinations
UTMB week is centred around Chamonix, but the event reaches much further across the Mont Blanc region. Several Mountain Drop-offs destinations are especially useful during race week.
- Chamonix: The main event hub, race village and finish-line centre.
- Les Houches: Useful for staying at the lower end of the Chamonix valley, close to the traditional Tour du Mont Blanc route.
- Argentière: A good option for the upper Chamonix valley, with access towards Le Tour and Vallorcine.
- Courmayeur: An important Italian-side location, especially for CCC and support crew logistics.
- St Gervais: A useful base in the wider Mont Blanc region, with access towards Les Contamines and the Evasion Mont-Blanc area.
- Les Contamines: A key mountain village on classic Mont Blanc routes and an important point for race-week logistics.
- Vallorcine: A quieter upper-valley base near the Swiss border, useful for those wanting a calmer stay during a busy week.
Tip: If you are staying outside central Chamonix, check local transport and race timing carefully. Some road access and parking can be affected by race movements.
Getting to Chamonix for UTMB 2026
The simplest route: Fly into Geneva Airport, then travel to Chamonix by pre-booked airport transfer.
- Typical Geneva to Chamonix journey time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic and your final address
- Main airport: Geneva Airport
- Useful for: Runners, support crews, families, groups and travellers with kit bags
Mountain Drop-offs provides door-to-door transfers from Geneva Airport to Chamonix and the wider Chamonix valley, including Les Houches, Les Praz, Argentière, Le Tour and Vallorcine. Private transfers are also useful for groups or anyone travelling with more luggage or race equipment.
Compare transfer options:
View our Geneva Airport transfer options
Transfer options for UTMB 2026
| Transfer option | Best for | Why it suits UTMB week |
|---|---|---|
| Shared transfer | Solo travellers and small groups | Cost-effective door-to-door travel from Geneva Airport to the Chamonix valley. |
| Flexi shared transfer | Travellers who want more flexibility | Useful if flight times or race-week plans may change before travelling. |
| Private transfer | Groups, families and support crews | Direct travel to your accommodation with no waiting for other passengers. |
| VIP transfer | Extra comfort and convenience | Premium vehicles and a more comfortable arrival after a long journey. |
Book your transfer:
Check availability and get a live price
Practical tips for UTMB week
- Book early: UTMB is one of Chamonix’s busiest weeks of the year.
- Check your race schedule: Arrival and departure dates may depend on bib collection, race start, finish time and recovery plans.
- Allow time for traffic: Roads around the valley can be busier than usual during race week.
- Declare luggage and equipment: Add race kit, poles, large bags, bike boxes or unusual luggage at booking where relevant.
- Plan support crew travel carefully: Some race points are easier to reach than others, and road restrictions can apply.
- Stay flexible: Finish times can vary widely, especially on longer races such as UTMB, TDS and PTL.
FAQs
When is UTMB Mont-Blanc 2026?
HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 2026 takes place from Monday 24 to Sunday 30 August 2026.
When does the main UTMB race start?
The main UTMB race starts in Chamonix on Friday 28 August 2026.
Where is UTMB based?
UTMB week is centred around Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, with races passing through the Mont Blanc region in France, Italy and Switzerland.
How far is the main UTMB race?
The 2026 UTMB race is listed as around 174km, with approximately 9,900m+ of elevation gain.
How do I get from Geneva Airport to Chamonix for UTMB?
The simplest option is to pre-book a Geneva Airport to Chamonix transfer. Mountain Drop-offs provides door-to-door transfers to Chamonix and nearby villages in the valley.
Can Mountain Drop-offs serve other UTMB-related destinations?
Yes. Mountain Drop-offs serves several useful UTMB destinations, including Chamonix, Les Houches, Argentière, Courmayeur, St Gervais, Les Contamines and Vallorcine.
Should I book my UTMB transfer early?
Yes. UTMB is one of the busiest weeks of the year in Chamonix, so early booking is strongly recommended for transfers and accommodation.
Next step
- Read our dedicated UTMB airport transfer guide
- Check availability and get a live price
- Compare shared, Flexi, private and VIP transfers
- Contact Mountain Drop-offs for group bookings